Ex-DMS teacher accused of sex offenses

A former Dublin Middle School teacher was arrested Sunday on charges he had an “illegal” relationship with a student.

Pulaski County Sheriff Jim Davis said Jonathan E. Bell, 31, is charged with two counts of carnal knowledge and one count of taking indecent liberties with a child under the age of 15.

The charges are based on a complaint made by a Pulaski County student. Davis said the relationship is alleged to have occurred several years ago while Bell was employed as a teacher.

Pulaski County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Tom Brewster said in a press release that Bell was employed by the school system, as a DMS teacher, from 2006-2012. He said the school system was notified of Bell’s arrest Sunday, but he declined to comment further, citing “personnel and student privacy laws.”

Brewster added, “We are fully cooperating with law enforcement officials working the investigation.”

Davis said the investigation is continuing.

Bell had been working as an assistant principal at Woodrow Wilson Middle School in Roanoke, but he resigned Monday, according to reports.

Bell was arrested in Salem. Davis said Bell is being held in Roanoke County Jail pending transfer to New River Valley Regional Jail.